Single gesture map navigation graphical user interface for a personal digital assistant

ABSTRACT

An application on a personal digital assistant (PDA) displays a map. A graphical user interface permits the application to receive single gesture inputs of a stylus. If the single gesture input comprises a drag of the stylus a minimum distance, the map is panned such that the map is shifted to a new center view. The displayed map may contain one or more map objects. If the input comprises a single tap on a specific map object, the map object under the tap may be selected and highlighted. Further, a ToolTip for the map object may be displayed. A further tap of the ToolTip may result in the navigation to a link or URL associated with the map object selected. One or more zoom buttons may also be displayed. If a zoom button is tapped by the user, the map may be displayed in a different level of detail.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of thefollowing co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. Provisional patentapplication, which applications are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,142, entitled “INTERPROCESS API ANDGRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DEVICESAND APPLICATIONS,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et.al.;

U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,141, entitled “SHARABLE SERVERUPLOADABLE REDLINING FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA),” filed onMar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.;

U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,153 entitled “INDEXED RASTER VECTORSCHEMA FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DATABASES,” filed on Mar.29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.; and

U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,862, entitled “MAPGUIDE FOR MOBILEDEVICES SERVER,” filed on Mar. 30, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et.al.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 and 35 U.S.C.§363 of the following co-pending and commonly assigned internationalpatent application number PCT/US00/26436, entitled “GEOGRAPHIC MAPS ON APERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) AND SERVER, filed on Sep. 26, 2000, byAutodesk, Inc., which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/159,069, entitled “MAPGUIDEPERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT,” filed on Oct. 12, 1999, by NemmaraChithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,141, entitled“SHARABLE SERVER UPLOADABLE REDLINING FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT(PDA) MAPS,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.,U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,153 entitled “INDEXED RASTER VECTORSCHEMA FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DATABASES,” filed on Mar.29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser. No.60/193,142, entitled “INTERPROCESS API AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FORPERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS,” filed onMar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., and U.S. applicationSer. No. 60/193,862, entitled “MAPGUIDE FOR MOBILE DEVICES SERVER,”filed on Mar. 30, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.; and whichinternational application is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/629,115, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPROVIDING ACCESS TO MAPS ON A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA)”, byNemmara Chithambaram et al., filed on Jul. 31, 2000, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/628,851, entitled “GEOGRAPHICAL DATA MARKUP ON APERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA)”, by Edward J. Connor, et al., filed onJul. 31, 2000, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/628,850, entitled“GENERALIZED, DIFFERENTIALLY ENCODED, INDEXED RASTER VECTOR DATA ANDSCHEMA FOR MAPS ON A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT”, by NemmaraChithambaram et al., filed on Jul. 31, 2000, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/629,117, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING A SETOF MAPS”, by Howard Marantz et al., filed on Jul. 31, 2000.

This application is a continuation-in-part of the following co-pendingand commonly assigned United States patent applications, which areincorporated by reference herein:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/629,115, entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO MAPS ON A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT(PDA)”, by Nemmara Chithambaram et al., filed on Jul. 31, 2000 whichapplication claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/159,069,entitled “MAPGUIDE PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT,” filed on Oct. 12, 1999,by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,141,entitled “SHARABLE SERVER UPLOADABLE REDLINING FOR PERSONAL DIGITALASSISTANT (PDA),” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et.al., U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,153 entitled “INDEXED RASTERVECTOR SCHEMA FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DATABASES,” filed onMar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser.No. 60/193,142, entitled “INTERPROCESS API AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACEFOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS,” filed onMar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., and U.S. applicationSer. No. 60/193,862, entitled “MAPGUIDE FOR MOBILE DEVICES SERVER,”filed on Mar. 30, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/628,850, entitled “GENERALIZED,DIFFERENTIALLY ENCODED, INDEXED RASTER VECTOR DATA AND SCHEMA FOR MAPSON A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT”, by Nemmara Chithambaram et al., filedon Jul. 31, 2000, which application claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 60/159,069, entitled “MAPGUIDE PERSONAL DIGITALASSISTANT,” filed on Oct. 12, 1999, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.,U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,141, entitled “SHARABLE SERVERUPLOADABLE REDLINING FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA),” filed onMar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser.No. 60/193,153 entitled “INDEXED RASTER VECTOR SCHEMA FOR PERSONALDIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DATABASES,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by NemmaraChithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,142, entitled“INTERPROCESS API AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR PERSONAL DIGITALASSISTANT (PDA) DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, byNemmara Chithambaram, et. al., and U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,862,entitled “MAPGUIDE FOR MOBILE DEVICES SERVER,” filed on Mar. 30, 2000,by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/628,851, entitled “GEOGRAPHICAL DATAMARKUP ON A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA)”, by Edward J. Connor, etal., filed on Jul. 31, 2000 which application claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 60/159,069, entitled “MAPGUIDE PERSONAL DIGITALASSISTANT,” filed on Oct. 12, 1999, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.,U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,141, entitled “SHARABLE SERVERUPLOADABLE REDLINING FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA),” filed onMar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser.No. 60/193,153 entitled “INDEXED RASTER VECTOR SCHEMA FOR PERSONALDIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DATABASES,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by NemmaraChithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,142, entitled“INTERPROCESS API AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR PERSONAL DIGITALASSISTANT (PDA) DEVICES AND APPLICATIONS,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, byNemmara Chithambaram, et. al., and U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,862,entitled “MAPGUIDE FOR MOBILE DEVICES SERVER,” filed on Mar. 30, 2000,by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/629,117, entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR OBTAINING A SET OF MAPS”, by Nemmara Chithambaram et al.,which application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.60/159,069, entitled “MAPGUIDE PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT,” filed onOct. 12, 1999, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser.No. 60/193,141, entitled “SHARABLE SERVER UPLOADABLE REDLINING FORPERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA),” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by NemmaraChithambaram, et. al., U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,153 entitled“INDEXED RASTER VECTOR SCHEMA FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA)DATABASES,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et. al.,U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,142, entitled “INTERPROCESS API ANDGRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT (PDA) DEVICESAND APPLICATIONS,” filed on Mar. 29, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram, et.al., and U.S. application Ser. No. 60/193,862, entitled “MAPGUIDE FORMOBILE DEVICES SERVER,” filed on Mar. 30, 2000, by Nemmara Chithambaram,et. al.

This application is related to the following co-pending andcommonly-assigned patent applications, which applications areincorporated by reference herein:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/411,506, entitled “VECTOR-BASEDGEOGRAPHIC DATA”, by Gregory A. Roy, et. al., filed on Oct. 4, 1999,which is a continuation patent application of U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,135issued on Oct. 12, 1999 (application Ser. No. 08/757,706 filed on Oct.30, 1996), by Gregory A. Roy et al., entitled “VECTOR-BASED GEOGRAPHICDATA”; and

U.S. application Ser. No. 09/795,719, entitled “INTERPROCESS APPLICATIONPROGRAMMING INTERFACE FOR PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT APPLICATIONS,”filed on the same date herewith, by Timothy John Nelson, et. al.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electronic maps andgeographic information, and in particular, to a method, apparatus, andarticle of manufacture for navigating a map displayed on a personaldigital assistant (PDA).

2. Description of the Related Art

Computer implemented geographic information systems (GIS) are known inthe art. Such GIS provide for the retrieval and display of geographicinformation (e.g., maps). A GIS is a system of software, hardware, anddata that delivers geographic data (street maps, property boundaries,power transmission lines, etc.) along with any associated attributeinformation. It can show you where a street is and also tell you thestreet name, when it was last paved, whether it is a one-way street,etc. Using a GIS, a user can perform complex queries (from a web browserto a server) to discover such things as how many people live near thestreet, what their income level is, and what the zoning laws are. A GIScan operate on a network/internet wherein the geographic information isstored on a server and transmitted to a client/user where theinformation (map picture and other data) is displayed on a web browser.

For the client to properly display the geographic information, acomputer system with the appropriate processing capabilities, software,and memory is required. For example, a client may be required to utilizea computer with a web browser such as INTERNET EXPLORER or NETSCAPENAVIGATOR and have a minimum of 10 megabytes of available memory.Additionally, to display the geographic data such that a user does nothave to wait an inordinate amount of time to retrieve and load the data,an appropriate Internet connection (e.g., a 28.8 Kbps (kilo bits persecond) modem) and a computer system with significant processing power(e.g., a minimum speed of 100 megahertz) may be required.

Field/utility technicians such as gas company employees, salespersons,plumbers, insurance adjusters, or any type of employment that requirestravel to different locations, often utilize or require access to mapsand geographic information. Further, such technicians often need tointeract with a map to obtain relevant information. For example, aplumber/contractor may want to determine where the main gas line orwater line on a street is located. However, while out in the field, thetechnicians often do not have a network connection, and carrying alaptop or desktop computer is cumbersome and impractical. Thus, it isdesirable to have a small (handheld) portable computing device with thecapabilities to display and interact with geographic information bothonline and offline.

Prior art handheld computing devices (also referred to as palm PCs orpersonal digital assistants (PDAs)), are often used to access andutilize personal information. Many handheld computing devices areavailable in today's marketplace. Typically, handheld computing devicesare only slightly larger than the size of one's palm (hence, the namepalm PC) and have a small display screen for viewing a plethora ofitems. Software can be installed on a PDA to provide enhancedfunctionality. For example, a personal productivity tool may beinstalled to provide access to a calendar, contacts, email, Internetbrowsing, audio books, and audio recording capabilities. Card slots mayalso be available to provide additional memory or other functions (e.g.,a modem). Additionally, some PDAs have infrared (IR) ports forcommunication.

Field technicians using a PDA need to view, interact, and navigate mapsdisplayed. The PDA environment, however, poses several challenges forgeographic information systems in terms of map navigation, memory,storage, processor speeds, wireless transmission rates, and displayattributes. For example, the screen area of PDAs is typically small(160×160 pixels) and PDAs commonly only maintain 96K or less of memory,2 Mb (megabytes) or less storage, a 13 MHz processor speed, and a blackand white or gray scale display mechanism. Additionally, a stylus takesthe place of a multi-button mouse. Map navigation may be particularlydifficult on a PDA since technicians in many instances work in trenchesor other places where a user's range of motion and vision aresignificantly limited.

Thus, there is a need for a geographic information system that overcomesthe above described deficiencies on a portable handheld electronicdevice such as a PDA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention provide for an interactivegeographic information system on a personal digital assistant (PDA). Thesystem enables the viewing, interaction, and navigation of maps on aPDA.

A graphical user interface (GUI) on the PDA displays a map requested bya user. A user may navigate the displayed map using movements of astylus. When a single gesture input is received from a stylus, variousfunctions and/or actions may be invoked. When a user drags a stylus morethan a minimum distance, the system interprets the dragging as anattempt to pan the displayed map. Accordingly, the map is panned basedon the stylus drag.

If the stylus was not dragged a minimum distance, it indicates that theuser has tapped the map with a possible attempt to select a map objector button. If a zoom button was selected, the single tap gesture resultsin either zooming out or in on the map depending on the button selected.

If the user has tapped and selected a map object, a ToolTip associatedwith the map object may be displayed. The ToolTip may contain text or alink to a URL or file associated with the selected map object. If theToolTip contains a URL or link, the text displayed in the ToolTip may beunderlined or differentiated from standard text to indicate furtheraction is possible.

Once a ToolTip containing a link has been displayed, the application maywait for further action from the user. Further, if the user taps thelink or ToolTip containing the link, the application may navigate theuser to the link associated with the ToolTip, if any. Such navigationmay comprise invoking another application (e.g., a web browserapplication).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hardware and software environment forthe architecture in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the interaction between a thin client, aservlet, and additional components in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the display of a map upon startingup a mapguide application on the PDA in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the menus available to the user when a user taps aMenus icon on a PDA when on a map screen in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a level of detail displayed on a PDAwherein the edge of the map extends just beyond the center of the viewin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a visual representation of a ToolTip in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an actual ToolTip and map in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating map navigation through a graphicaluser interface in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating how a servlet responds to requestsfrom client net services in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating how the client and servlet respondto requests to show reports (e.g., maps) in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way ofillustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Overview

One or more embodiments of the invention provide for a graphical userinterface for navigating maps on a personal digital assistant (PDA). Inthe graphical user interface, a single gesture by a user using a stylusmay result in a continuous pan, a zoom in or out of a map, a selectionof a single object on the map, or the viewing of a report associatedwith a selected map object.

Embodiments further provide the use of the MAPGUIDE geographicalinformation system (available from the assignee of the presentinvention) on a PDA. Software on the PDA is enabled to provide suchfunctionality. Further, a servlet that provides enhanced serverfunctionality may interface between the web server and the PDA toaccommodate any additional processing needed.

Raster maps provide multiple zoom levels with each zoom level comprisingmultiple tiles that allow for “virtual roaming” across a map. Further,selectable vector geometry (for interacting and highlighting with userobjects), geo-referencing information for map navigation, meta-data inthe form of layer definitions (visibility, display attributes, etc.),links to object attributes in databases, links to object reportsgenerated by corporate web servers, uploadable, sharable redlining data(created from scribbles on the field), and access to geographicalinformation both online and offline on the PDA are provided.Accordingly, users will maintain the ability to access maps and othergeographical information while offline and not connected to a network orserver.

General Architecture

Hardware Environment

The use, on a PDA, of a modified MAPGUIDE GIS currently available fromthe assignee of the present invention is provided. The existing MAPGUIDEGIS is more fully described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/411,506, entitled “VECTOR-BASED GEOGRAPHIC DATA”, by GregoryAndrew Roy, et. al., filed on Oct. 4, 1999, which is a continuationpatent application of U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,135 issued on Oct. 12, 1999(application Ser. No. 08/757,706 filed on Oct. 30, 1996), by Gregory A.Roy et al., entitled “VECTOR-BASED GEOGRAPHIC DATA”.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hardware and software environment forthe architecture in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. A typical distributed computer system 100 uses anetwork/Internet 118 to connect technicians utilizing clients such as athin client 102 (e.g. a PDA, WINCE, or PALM device) or a thick client104 (e.g., a computer system running a browser) to server computers 106.

A thick client 104 as utilized in the existing MAPGUIDE GIS may comprisea computer with a web browser (enhanced with a plugin or viewer)connected to a web server 110 that communicates with a MapGuide server120 to retrieve data (e.g., raster data, spatial data format (SDF) data126, attribute data 128, etc.).

A thin client includes three classes of devices: handheld personalcomputers (HPC), palm-held personal computers (PPC or PDA), and smartphones. Using these devices, a thin client 102 may not provide the fullprocessing and memory capabilities as a thick client 104. For example,as described above with respect to PDAs, thin clients 102 often havememory less than 100K, storage of less than 2–4 MB, processor speeds of13 MHz, and limited display attributes. Consequently, additional server106 side support (e.g., more generalized display data, simplifiedproject files, de-cluttering services, and possibly server management ofuser state) may be utilized. A typical combination of resources mayinclude a network/Internet 118 comprising the Internet, LANs, WANs, SNAnetworks, or the like, clients 102 and 104 that are PDAs, personalcomputers or workstations, and servers 106 that are personal computers,workstations, minicomputers, or mainframes.

The network/Internet 118 connects client computers 102 and 104 executingthe appropriate software applications 130 to server computers 106executing Web servers 110, MapGuide servers 120, and servlets 108.MagGuide servers 120 and servlets 108 may be located within or part ofweb server 110. The server 106 and its components may also be referredto as a back office system. Such a back office system maintains accessto corporate databases, synchronization utilities, etc. The Web server110 is typically a program such as an Apache Web Server or Microsoft'sInternet Information Server. The servlet 108 communicates with thinclient 102 through web server 110 such that any additional processingrequired by a thin client 102 may be performed by the servlet 108.Servlet 108 communicates with MapGuide server 120 to obtain needed mapdata/information. Additionally, servlet 108 accesses map windows files(MWF) 124 to obtain relevant data. The servers 106 may also execute aCommon Gateway Interface (CGI) 112 (or Netscape Application ProgrammingInterface (NSAPI), Internet Server Application Programming Interface(ISAPI), etc.), which interfaces between the Web server 110 and adatabase management system (DBMS) 114 that may be utilized to retrieverelevant geographical data (such as SDF data, raster data, Open DataBaseConnectivity (ODBC) data, etc.) from database 116.

Generally, components 108–116 and 120–130 all comprise logic and/or datathat is embodied in or retrievable from a device, medium, signal, orcarrier, e.g., a data storage device, a data communications device, aremote computer or device coupled to the computer via a network or viaanother data communications device, etc. Moreover, this logic and/ordata, when read, executed, and/or interpreted, results in the stepsnecessary to implement and/or use the present invention being performed.

Thus, embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof. The term “article of manufacture” (oralternatively, “computer program product”) as used herein is intended toencompass logic and/or data accessible from any computer-readabledevice, carrier, or media.

Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be madeto this exemplary environment without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, those skilled in the art will recognizethat any combination of the above components, or any number of differentcomponents, including different logic, data, different peripherals, anddifferent devices, may be used to implement the present invention, solong as similar functions are performed thereby. Specifically, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may beapplied to any database, associated database management system, orperipheral device.

Software Embodiments

In accordance with the hardware descriptions, thick clients 104 arecomplete computer systems with web browsers and full processingcapabilities. However, the hardware limitations of a PDA devicenecessitate software limitations. Accordingly, to enable a geographicinformation system on a PDA, a thin client 102 executing an application130 is provided. To accommodate the thin client, additional support onserver 106 may be utilized. For example, server 106 may provide moregeneralized display data, simplified project files, de-clutteringservices, and possibly server management of the user state.

The architecture of the invention includes a data model that combinesstatic raster layers (static raster data fort multiple layers) with livevector objects to deliver good display and download performance, andalso provides interactive selectable objects.

Vector based maps (also referred to as “map layer data” consisting ofgeographic information/data for one or more layers) are served by aservlet 108 and are an encoded and spatially indexed vectorrepresentation of the geographic data. Such vector maps provide for amore “interactive” display with flexible zooming on the client 102,highlighting, etc. Alternatively, the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)representation as proposed by the WorldWideWeb Consortium (W3C) may beutilized. SVG allows for three types of graphic objects: vector graphicshapes (e.g., paths consisting of straight lines and curves), images,and text. Graphical objects can be grouped, styled, transformed, andcomposited into previously rendered objects.

A display background (that is raster based) for the geographic data anddisplay layers is managed as a multilevel library of raster tiles. Theraster layers are composed from multiple vector layers on servlet 108,resulting in better download and display performance. The raster map onthe PDA allows panning (virtual roaming paradigm), and zooming acrossmultiple levels. A smart-cache on thin client 102 allows the swapping ofcompact tiles from the database to memory, in a manner appropriate tothe device. A single workspace per map provides the definition of themap and the display attributes for the layers on the thin client 102.

PDA users (e.g., technicians) can make scribbles and annotations on themap using a paper and pencil metaphor. To accommodate such markup,embodiments provide a markup object that consists of geometric scribbles(points, lines, polygons, symbols), GPS (global positioning system)input coordinates, annotations (positioned text with font information,etc.), and a geo-reference system that allows the markup object to beintegrated into a spatial database 116 using server 106 and displayed onother maps. The markup system captures user input and allows for markupobjects to be uploaded to server 106. Further, the level of sharing onthe server 106 side is configurable (e.g., personal, group, global,etc.).

Details of Architecture

Thin Client 102

The user of a thin client 102 such as a PDA displays geographicalinformation (e.g., maps) using application 130. The architecture of theinvention accommodates various thin clients 102 such as Palm OS devices,WINDOWS CE 2.x devices, and/or smart phones with bitmapped graphics(e.g., SYMBIAN, MOTOROLA, NOKIA, PSION). The startup time for the GIS onthe PDA is comparable to other applications on the PDA. Further, thethin client 102 (and application 130) is enabled to store non-spatialdata gathered from within the GIS application in a format suitable foruploading to or synchronizing with major relational database managementsystem (RDBMS) vendors.

Thin client 102 supports a variety of net access patterns. For example,thin client 102 can have a connection to the back office system (e.g.,server 106) periodically (e.g., at the beginning and/or the end of theday), on-demand (e.g., through a wireless modem), or continuously.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the interaction between thin client 102,servlet 108, and additional components. Thin client 102 is made upapplication 130 that comprises subcomponents that allow viewing,navigation, and querying of a map model on the PDA. Thin client 102 andapplication 130 also includes services that allow management of businessattributes 128, communication with servlet 108, and persistencemanagement. Accordingly, application 130 collectively refers to thesubcomponents on thin client 102 (i.e., subcomponents 202–222 and 238).

To initialize the PDA thin client 102 with the appropriate map data, auser starts up the synchronization application 238. Synchronizationapplication 238 is the application on the PDA thin client 102responsible for synchronizing information and map data stored in adatabase 220 on PDA thin client 102 with the relevant map data.Synchronization application 238 utilizes net services 218 to communicatewith servlet 108 (through web server 110) and to obtain the relevant mapdata. Net services component 218 provides services for two waycommunication (and exchange of data) with servlet 108 (i.e., followingthe link to FIG. 2B). Accordingly, synchronization application 238 maycommunicate with servlet 108 to obtain the location of the map data.Thereafter, synchronization application 238 retrieves/obtains the mapdata from the identified location.

Upon receipt of the map data in the synchronization application 238,persistent services 208 is utilized store the data (by performingvarious I/O operations) in PDA catalog database 220. Thereafter, thesynchronization process is complete. Such synchronization can beperformed as often as desired depending on the configuration of the PDAthin client 102. For example, if thin client 102 has a wireless modem,the synchronization operation can be performed whenever desired. Ifhowever, a direct connection is required, synchronization can only occurwhen the thin client 102 is connected to network 118 (or to server 106).

The MapGuide PDA component 202 is the main application that provides theuser interface (UI) 204 and responds to events. The user interfacecomponent 204 is the placeholder for the user interface controls thatare specialized for the PDA. Accordingly, once the relevant map data hasbeen retrieved using synchronization application 238, the MapGuide PDAapplication 202 may be initialized/started by the user. Details of theUI and map navigation are described below.

MapGuide PDA component 202 requests the persistence services component208 to load the active workspace 206. The active workspace 206provides/creates the definition of the map model 210. Thus, the activeworkspace 206 may be seen as a minimized version of the traditional mapfile (referred to as a map window file (MWF)) for the PDA 102. The mapmodel 210 provides the services related to maintaining and manipulatingmap layers and map objects.

The persistent services component 208 loads the workspace 206 byproviding object based database management services (ODBMS) using thelocal PDA database (PDA CatalogDB 220). The PDA catalogDB 220 is thelocal database of geographic information that is resident on the PDA.Thus, the PDA catalogDB encapsulates the local PDA catalog database andprovides the application programming interface (API) for recordmanipulation.

View component 212 listens to changes in the map model 210 and updatesthe map display when necessary. The business attributes services/managercomponent 214 provides services related to managing non-spatial businessattributes.

Client resident viewer services 216 interact with map model component210. The client resident viewer services component 216 provides aflexible architecture that allows viewer service components to reside oneither the client 102 or the servlet 108. These services may berepresented by two components: the client resident viewer servicescomponent 216 of FIG. 2A and the servlet resident viewer servicescomponent 232 of FIG. 2B. The services performed by client residentviewer services 216 and servlet resident viewer services 232 may becombined and reside entirely on client 102 or server 106. All client 102components send requests for viewer services to the client residentviewer services 216. The client resident viewer services component 216will perform the service if the required components are locallyavailable on the client 102. If not, the request may be delegated to theservlet resident viewer services 232 through synchronization application238. For example, for a given client configuration, polyline drawingservices may be available on client 102, whereas buffering services maybe available on servlet 108.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the display of a map upon startingup an application 130 such as mapguide application 202 on the PDA inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. At step 300,the mapguide PDA 202 is asked to start up. At step 302, the mapguide PDA202 requests the persistent services 208 to load the active workspace206 (from the local PDA database 220). At step 304, the workspace 206uses map definitions to create a new map model 210. The map model 210populates layers in the model at step 306. The populating of step 306may be performed by using the persistent services 208 to get data fromthe local PDA database 220 at step 306A and/or conveying the request toclient resident viewer services 216 at step 306B. If client residentviewer services 216 determines that the service requires servletresident viewer services 232, the client resident viewer services 216delegates the request to net services 218 through synchronizationapplication 238 at step 308.

At step 310, any downloaded data may be optionally cached in the localdatabase 220 using persistent services 208. The model 210 notifieslisteners (including the view 212) of the change at step 312. View 212updates itself by getting display attributes from the workspace 206 andupdating the map display at step 314.

After viewing the map, a user on thin client 102 may markup or redlinethe map (i.e., the map and attribute data) as desired using a stylus.Markup data comprises pixel data for a markup entity. Application 130provides the ability to obtain markup data from the user through userinterface 204. Application 130 then creates a file comprised of themarkup data and provides for uploading the file from thin client 102 toserver 106. The file is uploaded to the server 106 by obtaining a socketconnection, obtaining an inventory of resident mapsets, searching formarkup data associated with the resident mapsets on thin client 102, anduploading all resident markup data to the server 106.

As described above, the markup entity may comprise a markup object thatprovides various mechanisms for marking up a map. For example, the usermay draw a redline line wherein the markup object is a redline object.To draw a redline line, the application 130 determines when a newredline object has been selected and captures the stylus movements in aredline object while the stylus remains in contact with the screen ofthin client 102.

In another example, the markup data is a note, and the application 130is configured to obtain the markup data in a note object. To insert/drawa note, application 130 determines when a new note object has beenselected, accepts a user selection of an anchor point in a display of amap on the thin client 102, displays a text entry screen 204 on the thinclient 102, accepts text user input in the text entry screen 204, anddisplays an icon representative of the note at the anchor point.

To accommodate the markup data on server 106, server 106 is configuredto obtain a file comprised of markup data for the map and attribute 128data, convert the markup data to coordinate data, and use the coordinatedata to obtain a standard data format (SDF) file that can be used tosuperimpose the markup data on the map and attribute 128 data. Anycomponent on server 106, including servlet 108, may provide suchfunctionality.

Map Navigation Graphical User Interface (GUI)

In addition to redline functionality, one or more embodiments of theinvention provide a GUI for navigating a map. Map navigation may beaccomplished using a variety of single gestures such as selecting amenu, tapping, and/or dragging with the stylus.

A map screen may include one or more of the following elements: a map; amenu; and Zoom In and Zoom Out navigation buttons on a title bar.Various navigation buttons may be provided on a map display screenincluding Zoom In and Zoom Out. The Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons mayfunction in the same way as Zoom In and Zoom Out menu items. If the menuis dropped down (visible), the buttons may not be available as they maybe covered up by the menu. The buttons may also not be available duringa Redline operation, as all (or a portion of) menu items except FinishRedline may be disabled during a Redline operation.

FIG. 4 illustrates the menus available to the user when a user taps aMenus icon on a PDA when on a map screen. Note that in FIG. 4, theleft-most menu choices 402 (i.e., Zoom In, New Note, New Redline, Undo,and Done) in “Map” are already visible (dropped-down). The graphicaluser interface (GUI) may also enable menu shortcuts wherein a displaythat indicates a command stroke plus a letter may indicate that a usercan use the graffiti symbol plus a letter as a shortcut for choosing amenu item.

Panning

The GUI enables a user to pan a map across the PDA's display screen. Topan, the user holds down the stylus and drags the stylus to the desirednew view. A minimum distance of movement before a pan operation beginsmay be required. By requiring a minimum distance, the drag operation maybe distinguished from a selection/tap operation (e.g., a press/releasewithout moving more than the threshold distance). In a drag operation,the map may be constrained from panning beyond the halfway mark of theview area. In other words, the user may not be allowed to pan the edgeof any map beyond the center of the view. In such an embodiment thecenter point of the PDA screen may always be required to fall inside ofthe map.

The GUI may also provide a means by which the user can return (pan) to adesignated target point. In such an embodiment, the zoom factor may notbe affected.

Zooming

A user may be presented with the option of zooming in closer or zoomingaway from a currently displayed map. Depending on the availability ofzooming in or out from the current level of detail, a zoom in or zoomout button may be displayed on the PDA screen.

For example, an overview map may currently be displayed. If a moredetailed view of the overview map is available, the “Zoom In” item mayappear in the menu and a “Zoom In” button may be displayed on thescreen. Further, if a less detailed view of the overview map isavailable, a “Zoom Out” item may appear in the menu and a “Zoom Out”button may be displayed on the screen. Both the Zoom Out and Zoom Initems may be displayed simultaneously. To zoom in or zoom out, the usermay select “Zoom In” or “Zoom Out” from the Map menu or may use a singletap gesture on either the Zoom In or Zoom Out button.

Once the user elects to zoom in or out, the map view immediatelyzooms/navigates to the requested map level/level of detail, whilemaintaining the existing view center. A mapset consists of an array ofmaps (up to 9 zoom levels, not including the initial map). The Zoom Inmenu choice and button will be displayed if there is a more detailedview available and removed from the menu otherwise. Similarly, the ZoomOut menu choice and button will be displayed if there is a less detailedview available and removed otherwise. All of the zooms implicitlyreference the MWF of the initial map. The user doesn't zoom betweendifferent MWF files, only between scales and centers within an MWF file.

A user may not be allowed to zoom in if a more detailed map does notcover the geographical point corresponding to the center of the view.FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a level of detail displayed on a PDAwherein the edge of the map extends just beyond the center of the view.Additionally, in FIG. 5, a more detailed map of the area in the centerof the view is not available. Accordingly, the user is not presentedwith the option of zooming in.

The GUI may also provide the ability to support a single level for araster zoom. (pixel replication). For example, the GUI may provide amagnifying glass icon, on both an overview and detail level map, toenable viewers to look at the same map in a larger view. Such an iconmay be activated using a single gesture such as a tap of the stylus onthe magnifying glass or the area that the user desires to magnify. Asimilar icon with similar functionality may be used to zoom out ordisplay a less detailed view of a map.

Map Object Display and Selection

As described above, a map may comprise one or more map objects. A mapobject may have numerous non-graphical attributes. For example, a mapobject may have an object type, a key value (for linking to databaserecords), a simple text attribute (e.g., a road name for display in aToolTip as discussed below), or a URL to a web page (e.g., maintenanceinformation for the selected object) or to another map, drawing or image(e.g., detailed schematic diagram).

In the GUI, map objects and their attributes (graphical andnon-graphical) may provide various functions when selected by a user.For example, the selection of a map object may link a user to the URLspecified in the URL attribute. The selection of a map object may alsopermit the display of a ToolTip that contains the text from the simpletext attribute.

When one or more map objects are selected, the GUI may highlight theselected objects using a ToolTip icon. Such functionality combinesselection representation with that of ToolTips. The text within aToolTip may comprise the value of the key attribute, the simple textattribute, or the URL attribute for the selected object. Where a link(e.g., a link to a file or a URL) is present, the ToolTip text may bedisplayed and underlined. This underlined text may effectively act as abutton. If the object has an URL but no ToolTip text, the string “MoreInfo . . . ” may be displayed.

The user may navigate to the file or URL identified by the link via theToolTip. To navigate, the user may merely tap on the ToolTip with thestylus and be transported to the URL or file. Depending on the value ofthe link, the appropriate application may be invoked/initialized. Forexample, if the link is to a mapset, the mapset may be opened in a GISapplication. However, if the link is to a URL, an AvantGo applicationmay be initialized.

To indicate that a selection has been made (e.g., that a user's tap isbeing processed), when the user taps on the ToolTip, the ToolTip textmay change to reverse video while the link is loading.

A ToolTip may not be displayed if there is no text or URL associatedwith the object. Additionally, an audible click may sound when the usertaps a selectable object, menu item, or ToolTip with a link. An audibleerror tone may sound if the user taps an area where there is noselectable data or if the user taps a tool tip that has no linkassociated with it.

ToolTips may behave differently depending on various factors such aswhere the selected object is located on the map. For example, a ToolTipmay be displayed near, but not on, a point on the selected objectclosest to the pick point. The selected object may flash (blink on andoff) as a highlighting mechanism. The ToolTip may also expand to coverthe selected object wherein the blinking object may be visible throughthe ToolTip text. Additionally, the text within a ToolTip may wrap tokeep the ToolTip within the size of the screen. The PDA application mayrestrict the ToolTip to a maximum width that is roughly 80% of thescreen width.

The text string in a ToolTip may have a maximum length. When the maximumlength has been reached or exceeded, the text may be truncated. Forexample, the text may be truncated with ellipsis when the text lengthcauses the height of the ToolTip to reach fifty percent (50%) of thescreen height.

FIG. 6 illustrates a visual representation of a ToolTip in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 6, the ToolTip602 is displayed in proximity to the selected object 604. FIG. 7illustrates an actual ToolTip 702 and map 704. The map of FIG. 7 is abitmap of downtown Atlanta. The selected object 704 is Decatur St SE (asindicated by the ToolTip 702).

Referring to FIG. 6, when a ToolTip 602 is displayed, any other activityon the map screen may cancel the display of the ToolTip 602.Alternatively, certain additional activities may invoke variousfunctions. For example, the ToolTip 602 may be moved by dragging theToolTip 602 to reposition it. The user may have the ability to indicatewhich objects the user is interested in for a subsequent operation, e.g.zoom selected objects, report generation, etc. A script-writer may alsobe able to select an object and thus highlight it on a map. Further, theuser may specify a layer, object ID, etc. to be displayed in a latercycle.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating map navigation through a graphicaluser interface in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention. At step 800, a map is displayed. At step 802, a determinationis made regarding whether a single gesture input is received from astylus. If a gesture is not received, no further action is needed. If agesture is received, a determination is made regarding whether thestylus has been dragged a minimum distance at step 804. If the stylushas been dragged a minimum distance, it indicates that the user isattempting a pan operation. Accordingly, the map is panned based on thestylus drag at step 806. If the stylus was not dragged a minimumdistance, it indicates that the user has attempted to tap a map object.At step 808, a determination is made regarding whether the userattempted to tap a zoom button. If so, the map is zoomed appropriatelyat step 810.

If a zoom button was not tapped, the ToolTip of the map object tapped isdisplayed at step 812. As described above, the ToolTip may contain thetext or URL of the map object tapped. The map object closest to thetapped point may be utilized. If no map object is within a predefineddistance of the tap, step 812 may not be performed.

Once a ToolTip has been displayed, the application may wait for furtheruser action at step 814. Thus, at step 814, a determination is maderegarding whether the user has tapped the map again. If a tap isreceived, the application determines whether the tap was on thedisplayed ToolTip or not at step 816. If the tap or user input was noton the ToolTip, processing may continue at step 804. Alternatively, theToolTip may disappear from the display and processing may continue atstep 802. If the tap was on the displayed ToolTip, the system maynavigate the user to the link associated with the ToolTip, if any.

Servlet

Referring back to FIG. 1, a servlet 106 accommodates any additionalprocessing needed by PDA thin client 102 and application 130. To takeadvantage of existing web servers 110 and servlet technology, servlet108 may be implemented using the Java programming language.Alternatively, any programming language that performs/provides Javaservlet like functionality may be utilized. Accordingly, a single codestream is utilized to implement the servlet 108 on multiple platforms. Aminimum set of constraints beyond those provided by web server 110 andthe servlet 108 framework provide scalability. For example, each client102 request may be self-contained in that it is responded to by adifferent instantiation of the servlet 108.

Servlet 108 may reside in a web server 110 and responds to requests forspatial and attribute data related to map objects, from multiple thinclients 102. Servlet 108 processes the requests, performs thevisualization and encoding and places the results in a location that isaccessible to the thin clients 102. Additionally, servlet 108 mayidentify one or more maps included in a mapset, obtain the map data forthe one or more maps identified from the server 106, and create themapset comprised of the map data prior to receiving a request for themap data from a client 102. Such map data retrieval and mapset creationmay be performed by servlet 108 in response to receiving a requestrelating to a work order (e.g., a request to modify, delete, or add awork order).

Additionally, servlet 108 may support the retrieval and creation of amapset (i.e., map data) using multiple central processing units inparallel. To provide such parallel processing support, servlet 108identifies one or more maps in a mapset, instantiates separate threadson multiple central processing units to obtain map data for the one ormore maps from the server 106 in parallel, assembles a transientdatabase comprised of the map data, and creates a mapset comprised ofthe map data using the transient database.

FIG. 2B illustrates the subcomponents of servlet 108. The request broker224 listens to and coordinates requests from multiple clients 102 (i.e.,from FIG. 2A), and conveys the requests to the query processor 230. Thequery processor 230 processes the query using services provided by theservlet resident viewer services component 232. Query processor 230 alsouses the visualizer component 228 and encoder component 226 to performcartographic decluttering and encoding of the data to be sent back to orretrieve by the client 102.

Map data on server 106 is comprised of multiple raster tile and vectorobject data for an object of the map data. Visualizer component 228performs configurable decluttering of data in a manner that isappropriate to the display of thin client 102. Accordingly, visualizer228 generalizes the shape of a vector object by filtering out some ofthe vector object data. Encoder component 226 compacts and encodes theobjects being retrieved by thin client 102. Encoder component 226differentially encodes a location of an object by encoding an offset forthe location of the object with respect to an origin of the raster tilewhere the object is located. Further, encoder component 226 spatiallyindexes the vector object data by encoding the bounds of the object.

The raster tiles are stored in row major format. An index for eachraster tile is stored following the raster tiles in an ordercorresponding to the storage of the raster tiles. The index comprises areference to a record containing the generalized vector object data, andthe offset and bounds for each raster tile.

By generalizing, encoding, and spatially indexing the map data, the thinclient 102 may determine an object identified by a point by evaluatingthe bounds of one or more raster tiles to determine the raster tilecontaining the point, and evaluating the bounds of objects within theraster tile containing the point to determine which object contains thepoint.

Servlet resident viewer services components 232 represents the servletresident part of viewer services (as described above with respect toFIG. 2A) and communicates with mapguide server 120. The map guide server120 may be web server 110 or a component of server 106.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating how servlet 108 responds to requestsreceived through net services 218. Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 9, atstep 900, net services 218 requests request broker 224 on servlet 108 todownload new layers (for dynamic data). At step 902, the request broker224 (after coordinating requests from other clients 102 if necessary)conveys the request to the query processor 230. The query processor 230conveys the query to the servlet resident viewer services 232 andobtains the results at step 904. The results are decluttered (ifspecified) using the visualizer 228 at step 906 and encoded forcompaction using the encoder 226 at step 908. The results (aftervisualization and encoding) or the location(s) where the results may beobtained are sent back to the client net services 218 at step 910.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart further illustrating how the client 102 andservlet 108 respond to requests to show reports (e.g., maps). Referringto FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 10, at step 1000, the user is given an opportunityto alter the contents of the selected map objects. At step 1002, thekeys of the selected objects are saved to the PDA database 220. Thestate of the mapguide PDA 202 is saved to the PDA database 220 at step1004. A report application (such as MapGuide PDA application 202) isstarted up and the keys of the selected objects are read back from thePDA database 220 at step 1006.

For local reports, the business attributes for the selected objects areread from the PDA database 220 at step 1010 and the report is formattedand displayed at step 1012. For reports that require more extensiveformatting services (e.g., COLD FUSION Application Server) or requiredata not stored in the local PDA database 220, a request is issued tonet services 218 (through synchronization application 238) to obtain thereport at step 1008.

After the user is finished viewing the report, and possibly otherreports linked to it, the mapguide PDA application 202 is re-started atstep 1014 at which time the application 202 restores itself to its lastsaved state.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the description of one or more embodiments of theinvention. The following describes some alternative embodiments foraccomplishing the present invention.

For example, any type of personal digital assistant or computer, such asa mainframe, minicomputer, or personal computer, or computerconfiguration, such as a timesharing mainframe, local area network,standalone personal computer, WINCE device, etc. could be used with thepresent invention.

The foregoing description of one or more embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by theclaims appended hereto.

1. A method for map navigation using a graphical user interface on apersonal digital assistant (PDA) comprising: displaying a map on adisplay screen of a PDA; receiving a single gesture input from a userinto the PDA, wherein the single gesture input comprises a drag of astylus across the display screen, and wherein the drag of the stylusallows the graphical user interface to distinguish between desired useroperations; determining whether the stylus has been dragged a minimumdistance; and if the stylus has been dragged a minimum distance and inresponse to the drag, panning the map in accordance with the drag suchthat the map is shifted to a new center view, wherein an edge of the mapcannot be panned beyond a center of a view.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the map may be panned until an edge of the map is reached. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein the panning returns a view of the map to adesignated target point.
 4. A method for map navigation using agraphical user interface on a personal digital assistant (PDA)comprising: displaying a map having one or more map objects on a displayscreen of a PDA; receiving a single gesture input from a user into thePDA, wherein the single gesture input comprises a single tap of a styluson a specific map object, and wherein actions of the single gestureinput allow the graphical user interface to distinguish between desireduser operations; and in response to the single tap: selecting andhighlighting the map object under the tap; and displaying a tooltip forthe map object.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: receiving asecond single gesture input from a user into the PDA, wherein the secondsingle gesture input comprises a single tap of the stylus on thetooltip; and displaying a report for the map object in response to thesingle tap on the tooltip.
 6. A method for map navigation using agraphical user interface on a personal digital assistant (PDA)comprising: displaying a map on a display screen of a PDA; displaying azoom button on the display screen of the PDA; receiving a single gestureinput from a user into the PDA, wherein the single gesture inputcomprises a single tap by a stylus of the zoom button, and whereinactions of the single gesture input allow the graphical user interfaceto distinguish between desired user operations; and displaying the mapon the display screen of the PDA with a different level of detail. 7.The method of claim 6 wherein the different level of detail is a moredetailed view of the map than originally displayed.
 8. The method ofclaim 6 wherein the different level of detail is a less detailed view ofthe map than originally displayed.
 9. The method of claim 6 wherein thezoom button is only displayed if a display of a different level ofderail is available.
 10. A system for navigating a map using a graphicaluser interface on a personal digital assistant (PDA) comprising: (a) apersonal digital assistant (PDA); (b) an application launched on thePDA, the application configured to: (i) display a map on a displayscreen of the PDA; (ii) receive a single gesture input from a user intothe PDA, wherein the single gesture input comprises a drag of a stylusacross the display screen, and wherein the drag of the stylus allows thegraphical user interface to distinguish between desired user operations;(iii) determine whether the stylus has been dragged a minimum distance;and (iv) if the stylus has been dragged a minimum distance and inresponse to the drag, pan the map in accordance with the drag such thatthe map is shifted to a new center view, wherein an edge of the mapcannot be panned beyond a center of a view.
 11. The system of claim 10wherein the map may be panned until an edge of the map is reached.
 12. Asystem for navigating a map using a graphical user interface on apersonal digital assistant (PDA) comprising: (a) a personal digitalassistant (PDA); (b) an application launched on the PDA, the applicationconfigured to: (i) display a map having one or more map objects on adisplay screen of a PDA; (ii) receive a single gesture input from a userinto the PDA, wherein the single gesture input comprises a single tap ofa stylus on a specific map object, and wherein actions of the singlegesture input allow the graphical user interface to distinguish betweendesired user operations; and (iii) in response to the single tap: (1)select and highlighting the map object under the tap; and (2) display atooltip for the map object.
 13. The system of claim 12, the applicationfurther configured to: receive a second single gesture input from a userinto the PDA, wherein the second single gesture input comprises a singletap of the stylus on the tooltip; and display a report for the mapobject in response to the single tap on the tooltip.
 14. A system fornavigating a map using a graphical user interface on a personal digitalassistant (PDA) comprising: (a) a personal digital assistant (PDA); (b)an application launched on the PDA, the application configured to: (i)display a map on a display screen of a PDA; (ii) display a zoom buttonon the display screen of the PDA; (iii) receive a single gesture inputfrom a user into the PDA, wherein the single gesture input comprises asingle tap by a stylus of the zoom button, and wherein actions of thesingle gesture input allow the graphical user interface to distinguishbetween desired user operations; and (iv) display the map on the displayscreen of the PDA with a different level of derail.
 15. The system ofclaim 14 wherein the different level of detail is a more detailed viewof the map than originally displayed.
 16. The system of claim 14 whereinthe different level of detail is a less detailed view of the map thanoriginally displayed.
 17. The system of claim 14 wherein the zoom buttonis only displayed if a display of a different level of detail isavailable.
 18. An article of manufacture for navigating maps using agraphical user interface on a personal digital assistant (PDA)comprising: means for displaying a map on a display screen of a PDA;means for receiving a single gesture input from a user into the PDA,wherein the single gesture input comprises a drag of a stylus across thedisplay screen, and wherein the drag of the stylus allows the graphicaluser interface to distinguish between desired user operations; means fordetermining whether the stylus has been dragged a minimum distance; andmeans for panning the map in accordance with the drag such that the mapis shifted to a new center view if the stylus has been dragged a minimumdistance, wherein an edge of the map cannot be panned beyond a center ofa view.
 19. The article of manufacture of claim 18 wherein the map maybe panned until an edge of the map is reached.
 20. An article ofmanufacture for navigating maps using a graphical user interface on apersonal digital assistant (PDA) comprising: means for displaying a maphaving one or more map objects on a display screen of a PDA; means forreceiving a single gestate input from a user into the PDA, wherein thesingle gesture input comprises a single tap of a stylus on a specificmap object, and wherein actions of the single gesture input allow thegraphical user interface to distinguish between desired user operations;means for selecting and highlighting the map object under the tap inresponse to the single tap; and means for displaying a tooltip for themap object in response to the single tap.
 21. The article of manufactureof claim 20 further comprising: means for receiving a second singlegesture input from a user into the PDA, wherein the second singlegesture input comprises a single tap of the stylus on the tooltip; andmeans for displaying a report for the map object in response to thesingle tap on the tooltip.
 22. An article of manufacture for navigatingmaps using a graphical user interface on a personal digital assistant(PDA) comprising: means for displaying a map on a display screen of aPDA; means for displaying a zoom button on the display screen of thePDA; means for receiving a single gesture input from a user into thePDA, wherein the single gesture input comprises a single tap by a stylusof the zoom button, and wherein actions of the single gesture inputallow the graphical user interface to distinguish between desired useroperations; means for displaying the map on the display screen of thePDA with a different level of detail.
 23. The article of manufacture ofclaim 22 wherein the different level of detail is a more detailed viewof the map than originally displayed.
 24. The article of manufacture ofclaim 22 wherein the different level of detail is a less detailed viewof the map than originally displayed.
 25. The article of manufacture ofclaim 22 wherein the zoom button is only displayed if a display of adifferent level of detail is available.
 26. A method for map navigationusing a graphical user interface on a personal digital assistant (PDA)comprising: (a) displaying a map on a display screen of a PDA; (b)receiving a single gesture input from a user into the PDA; (c)evaluating the single gesture input to determine if a stylus has beendragged across a display screen a distance; (d) if the stylus has beendragged at least the minimum distance; (i) determining that a userdesires to conduct a panning operation; and (ii) panning the map inaccordance with the drag such that the map is shifted to a new centerview; and (e) if the stylus has not been dragged the minimum distance:(i) determining that the user desired to conduct a map object selectionoperation in a form of a single tap of the stylus on a specific mapobject; and (ii) performing a map object selection operation based onthe specific map object tapped.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein themap object selection operation comprises displaying a tooltip for thespecific map object tapped.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein: thespecific map object comprises a zoom button; and the map objectselection operation comprises displaying the map on the display screenof the PDA with a different level of detail.